Australian Antarctic Division: Leading Australia’s Antarctic Program

Ross seals

Ross seal (Photo: Ian Thomas)

Scientific name:Ommatophoca rossii

Physical description and related species

They are slightly smaller on average than leopard and crabeater seals, reaching about 3 metres and 200 kg. Their coat is dark to light brown on the dorsal (back, upper) surface and silvery-white on the ventral (belly) surface. They have a small mouth with needle-like teeth which are well suited to catching slippery prey. Their enormous eyes may be an adaptation for hunting in the dimly-lit depths.

Distribution and abundance

Ross seals are rare and little-known. They tend to be solitary and live mainly on the densest pack ice.

Conservation status:least concern

Diet and feeding

Their prey are mainly squid and fish caught in midwater at depths below the pack ice.

More information

Seals are top-level predators in the Southern Ocean ecosystem. Being large and abundant with a widespread distribution, they are important consumers of animals lower in the food chain such as krill, fish and squid.